Age-Related Macular Degeneration(AMD) – DNA Testing in Mississauga, ON
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 50. In Addition, this progressive disease can destroy central vision, impairing the ability to perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or watching television.
The incidence of AMD grows from 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 to more than 1 in 4 over the age of 75. However, early detection and treatment of AMD are critical for the prevention of blindness.
Genetics account for over 60% of the risk of developing AMD. When you are tested, you and your eye doctor will know your genetic risk. This information will allow your doctor to recommend the best-personalized treatment for you to reduce your risk.
One Eye Vitamin Does Not Fit All
The US National Eye Institute has conducted two long-term Age-Related Eye Disease Studies. These studies show that high-dose eye vitamin formulation, including antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E) and zinc can protect a significant number of patients from developing advanced (AMD).
It was found that different components in these eye formulations are good for some but bad for others. For example, in patients with specific AMD risk genes, zinc provided a protective effect. However, in patients with other AMD risk genes, zinc could cause harm and accelerate vision loss. Similar effects were seen in patients with other genes who were treated with high-dose vitamins C and E.
How Do You Find Out Which Vitamin Is Right For You?
Vita Risk is a pharmacogenetic test designed to aid in the selection of appropriate eye supplement formulations for a patient diagnosed with intermediate Dry AMD. Knowing the genetic profile helps to prescribe the safest and most effective eye vitamin formulation.
Macula Risk PGx is a combined pharmacogenetic and prognostic DNA test. This test determines the patient’s risk of progression to advanced AMD based on their individual genetic risk profile and aids in the selection of appropriate eye supplement formulations for a patient diagnosed with intermediate Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration. Vita Risk pharmacogenetic results may be ordered separately or included within the Macula Risk PGx test.
